Roger Godsiff – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Roger Godsiff on 2016-10-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the consultation on whether to introduce a new online system for disability benefit appeals, whether the Government (a) took steps to ensure claimants were aware of that consultation, (b) plans to consult with groups representing disabled and ill people and people who claim employment and support allowance, personal independence payment or disability living allowance and (c) will take steps to ensure that the views of claimants are given sufficient weight when deciding whether to proceed with those proposals; and when she plans for the results of that consultation to be released.

Sir Oliver Heald

The Government is investing £1 billion to modernise our world-leading justice system. That means creating a system that is just, proportionate and accessible.

Technology will be at the forefront of our reforms but specific support will be provided to ensure tribunals remain accessible to all and physical hearings will be used to resolve many cases.

The ‘Transforming our Justice System’ consultation is about the administration of justice across all courts and tribunals and not one specific area. My officials are engaging with appropriate stakeholders, including disability groups, on relevant matters. We will consider all submissions before issuing a response in the coming months.